The Thompson Scholar Experience

BGSU 1910

In Fall 2023, our staff taught six sections of BGSU 1910 for Thompson Scholars. This one-credit hour course focuses on using Life Design and design thinking skills to create a meaningful and productive life at BGSU and beyond. Our team adapted the curriculum to apply the concepts through the lens of the Thompsons’ values and focus on service. Students explored the Thompson legacy and heart as they connected with peers in class and through a service-learning experience. Service experiences included supporting Simpson Garden Park, Wintergarden Park/St. John’s Nature Preserve, Falcon’s Best Robotics Competition and the BG Holiday Parade.

Students acquired tools and skills to navigate their first year of college, while deepening their understanding of their identity as Thompson Scholars.

Summer Link First-Year Scholarship Orientation

The Thompson Summer Link Program is designed to make the transition into University life as smooth as possible for you as an incoming first-year recipient of the Thompson Scholarship. You will connect with other new scholars, engage with the campus community and serve together over several days before the semester begins. 

• Move in EARLY (if living on-campus) and have time to get settled into your new room/surroundings 
• Make connections with other new Thompson Scholars, current scholars and staff 
• Learn about scholarship requirements, expectations and support 
• Get acclimated to campus and key campus resources  
• Set goals and develop a plan for a successful transition to BGSU 
• Complete hours towards your community service requirement

For students in the Honors College, specific Learning Communities and Falcon Marching Band, you will attend our One-Day Orientation instead to prepare you for success within the scholarship program.

Thank you to our amazing students who served as our 2023 Summer Link leaders: Allison Beebe, Mitch Carrico, Kyla Daugherty, Anna Doucette, Brynn Drabek, Abbey Eggleton, Jordan Garner, Sarah Gronwall, Morgan Gunther, Raegan Hall, Steven Iwanek, Dara Lewis, Chloe Lloyd, Jill McAnespie, Trenton Moore, Rebecca Strack, Ronnie Thompson, Blake Thomas, Adrian Xaiyarath and Isaiah Van Slyke.